Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that evaluate the effects of providing recordings ( for example, audiotapes) or summaries ( for example, a letter with reminders of key points) of consultations to people with cancer or their families.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors assessed studies for inclusion. Data were extracted by one author and checked by another author. We assessed study quality on seven criteria. We used a systematic approach to data extraction to produce a descriptive summary of studies, and present a narrative synthesis of the results.

Main results

We included sixteen controlled trials involving 2318 adult participants. The studies measured diverse outcomes. Many of the participants found recordings or summaries of their consultations valuable, with between 60% and 100% of participants ( across twelve studies) reading the summary or listening to the recording at least once. The recordings were used to help inform family and friends ( range 41.5% to 94.4% of participants in nine studies). Five out of nine studies reported better recall of information for those receiving recordings or summaries. Three out of ten studies found that participants provided with a recording or summary were more satisfied. No studies ( out of ten) found any statistically significant difference between groups in terms of anxiety or depression. Three studies evaluated the effects on quality of life, but found no main effects. No study evaluated the intervention's effects on survival.